Youthful Jamaica looks forward after CU17W

Jamaica (pictured) gathers for a team photo prior to its CONCACAF Under-17 Women's Championship game against Mexico on March 8, 2016, in St. George's, Grenada. (Photo: Mexsport)

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Although it didn’t win in three games at the 2016 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship, Jamaica displayed steady improvement throughout the competition.

As evidence of that assertion, an opening 8-1 setback against the United States was followed by much closer losses to Costa Rica (2-3) and defending champion Mexico (0-1).

“We’re just trying to build,” said head coach Lorne Donaldson. “We’re a young team.”

Only three of his 20 players were 17-years-old, while nine were 15 or younger.

After Tuesday’s defeat at the hands of the Mexicans that ended the Reggae Girlz’s participation in the tournament, Donaldson presented a realistic match assessment.

“Obviously, Mexico is a lot more experienced team than us and with a lot more experienced players,” he commented. We hung around and made it into a match at the end.”

It took a well-crafted play by the Tricolor four minutes before halftime to beat goalkeeper Sydney Schneider, who made eight saves and was outstanding throughout the afternoon.

“I think overall this was our best game,” Schneider said. “We kept possession, we stayed calm. There were a few shaky moments, but we always came back and we fought hard.”

With such a youthful side, Donaldson believed that games against three of CONCACAF’s strongest teams will have a positive impact on the future. In fact, he’s already looking ahead.

“It is very significant,” the 61-year-old expressed, when asked about the CU17W’s importance. “We have to figure a way to get these girls from a younger age training, playing real games because some of these girls, that’s the first time playing a game for Jamaica and playing in a tournament like this.”

If all that happens, what can be expected from Jamaica in the years to come?

An eager Donaldson didn’t hesitate with his answer: “I can tell you right now...some training and some games…watch out.”

GET CONCACAF NEWS

IN YOUR INBOX

RELATED NEWS YOU'LL LIKE

Official Draw: CONCACAF Caribbean Women's Under-17 Qualifier 2017

Prince Harry’s visit proves a ‘royal’ occasion for Grenada football

For the Grenada under-17 women’s national team, a memorable 2016 was capped last week by Prince Harry of Wales’ visit to the Spice Island.

Jamaica to host U.S. in pair of U-17 friendlies

As Canada starts to rebuild after its elimination from 2018 FIFA World Cup contention, it marks an opportunity for a new batch of players to make their cases for national team inclusion.

U-17 WWC: Mexico falls to Venezuela in quarterfinals

Jazmin Enrigue put Mexico in front, but Deyna Castellanos scored two goals to lift Venezuela to a 2-1 win in the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at Amman International Stadium.

U-17 WWC: Despite Sanchez goals, U.S. eliminated

The United States (1W-0D-2L, 3 points) was eliminated from the 2016 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup after a 3-2 loss to Japan (3-0-0, 9) on Saturday at Amman International Stadium saw it finish third in Group D.